Mike V, Famed Bengal Tiger Mascot, Dies at 17

BATON ROUGE -- The reign of Mike V, LSU’s beloved mascot who died early Friday morning, will be remembered as one of the most glorious periods in the history of LSU athletics.

Mike V, who moved into a new home on Aug. 27, 2005, served as the official mascot of LSU Athletics from 1990 until his death Friday.

The royal Bengal tiger was born on Oct. 18, 1989, and first moved into his home across from Tiger Stadium on April 30, 1990.

Mike actually attended his first sporting event on February 21, 1990, when he was introduced to a roaring crowd at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center for a men’s basketball game. The Tigers beat Alabama that day, 75-69, in Shaquille O’Neal’s freshman year.

“Mike V was a noble mascot who was loved by Tiger fans young and old, and he represented all that is proud and dignified about LSU,” said LSU athletic director Skip Bertman. “Mike has reigned over a magnificent era of Tiger Athletics and he is missed today by LSU fans the world over.”

During his tenure, Mike V reigned over a football national championship, five baseball national championships and a remarkable 23 track and field championships. He saw LSU sports teams win 37 Southeastern Conference titles from 1990 to 2007.

Mike V succeeded Mike IV who served as LSU’s mascot from 1976-90.

Mike the Tiger Through the Years

Mascot

Reign

Notes

Mike I

1936 - 57

Named for Athletic Trainer Mike Chambers

Mike II

1957 - 58

Born at Audubon Park Zoo in New Orleans

Mike III

1958 - 75

$1,500 donated by student body to purchase from Seattle Zoo

MIke IV

1976 - 90

Only "Mike" to retire prior to death; Died March 3, 1995

Mike V

1990 - 2007

Moved into new habitat between Tiger Stadium and PMAC in August of 2005